Sr. Rachel LaBranche

PETERSHAM – The Sisters of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin mourn the loss of Sr. Rachel LaBranche, formerly known as Sr. Rachel-Therese, who passed away at Marie Esther Health Center on Saturday, June 21, 2014.  She was a native of Laconia, New Hampshire, the first child of two, born to Leontine (Lapointe) and Leon LaBranche on August 24, 1923. Sr. Rachel entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Assumption in August of 1944.  Following her profession of faith vows in 1947, she served in the ministry of education in parochial schools for twenty-three years.  Rachel then moved to Assumption Residence in Petersham where she worked tirelessly as a nurse’s aide and performed many community services at the Residence.  She is remembered as a quiet presence among those who benefitted from her services.  Her last five years were spent at the Marie Esther Health Center in Marlborough, MA. Sr. Rachel is survived by her sister Theresa Carrier, nieces, nephews, her Sisters of the Assumption worldwide, the Sisters of St, Anne and Staff in Marlborough, MA Calling hours, closing with a prayer service will be on Tuesday, June 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sisters of St. Anne Convent, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Sisters of St. Anne, Marlborough, MA.  Sr. Rachel will be laid to rest in the East Street Cemetery, Petersham, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of the Assumption Retirement Fund, 211 North Main St., Petersham, MA  01366. $(document).ready(function(){ });